ANOTHER INSURANCE facility for the island's farmers has been launched.
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson last week Thursday officially unveiled the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS)/Excel Insurance Brokers Farmers Plus insurance plan at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.
The insurance plan, which was developed by Excel Insurance Brokers, Life of Jamaica (LoJ), Sagicor Life of the Cayman Islands and the JAS, is available to farmers up to 75 years from a low of $576 per month. Farmers who subscribe to the plan benefit additionally from discounts through the Government's National Health Fund (NHF). The JAS/Excel Healthcare Plus provides both life insurance and health insurance benefits for farmers and their families.
COVERAGE
The life insurance component provides coverage for critical illnesses such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, paraplegia, coma, third degree burns and kidney failure. The health insurance provides coverage for hospital room and board, lab, X-rays and surgery, doctors visits and specialist consultations.
Prime Minister Patterson said that "This JAS/Excel Farmers' Plus Insurance Plan provides an excellent opportunity for the further security and improvement of the quality of life of our farmers." According to Mr. Patterson, the effort to develop the product is "an unmatched and unbeatable partnership in beginning to address the farmers' health needs."
Senator Grant noted that the JAS/Excel Healthcare Plus was the most economic and affordable plan for farmers, and pointed out that it could be adjusted to suit the needs of each farmer. "It is the intention of the JAS and Excel Insurance Brokers to provide a necessary component of long- term financial planning to farmers in an effort to improve their lives and provide a reliable savings plan for the future," he added.
The JAS president said the groundwork has been established on which the programme could be extended to provide other essential services to the farmers. About 2,000 farmers have already subscribed to the plan, Senator Grant said.
Last Tuesday Solid Life and General Insurance Brokers in partnership with Blue Cross of Jamaica launched its SolidBlue Farmers Health Plan.
